Hero Stories

The gift of organ and tissue donation is an act of quiet heroism. The memories of our Heroes are treasured. This Hero Stories Blog is for cherished memories submitted by the families of these Heroes.

A place to honor and to remember individuals that have saved and enhanced lives.

The stories that follow tell of loss, grief, and pain, as well as rebirth, renewed purpose, and continued missions. These stories, in particular, are close to home, as they involve some of our own employees.

To find a specific story, use the search box at the top of the page or click here for mobile search.

Getting that phone call that your child has been in an accident is a parents worst nightmare. As a parent I have prayed so many times that my children be safe. On Dec. 31st, 2015 at 7:15am, my life was turned upside down and inside out by the very worry that no parent wishes to happen.

My daughter Kristi Mayfield had just turned 21 a little over a month before that day. She was on her way to work when she collided with a log truck less than 15 miles from home. To be told that she was not going to make it was devastating. When we were asked if I was willing to honor her decision to be an organ donor, I immediately said yes. You see, my beautiful girl had spent her life helping others in any way that she could.

When there was a mass shooting in Lafayette, as soon as she heard she asked what can she do to help? She immediately drove there to do what she could, give blood for the victims. Any friend or family that was in need of help, Kristi would go and lend a hand, an ear to listen and a heart to help. So when I was asked if I would be willing to honor her decision to be an organ donor, I could not say no. My daughter lived her life helping others and I know that she would have expected to continue to do so. So to honor her legacy of her life, we gave in death. It fills my heart with love and pride that my sweet, funny, sassy, full of love and life girl wanted to help others more than herself.

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency

The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) is an independent, not-for-profit organ and tissue recovery agency. LOPA's Core Purpose is Making Life Happen. We save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation.

Follow us on Instagram @donatelifela

Thank you to Rapides Regional Medical Center for their annual Tree of Life Ceremony today! It was a wonderful, emotional gathering and an amazing experience to share with donor families. The tree is located in the South Tower Lobby of the hospital.

A quick listen to 'The Gifted Life' podcast and you'll hear our hosts repeating...ONE person can make a difference in the world of donation!
Well, Rodie of 'Metro City Driving Academy' is one of those people!
See all those forms Rodie is holding in the attached picture? Those are all registration forms! She's helping to increase Louisiana's donor registry. Her motivation? Her friend, her HERO - Daniel. His picture is a fixture on the class walls (see him in the white hat?) She also lines her walls with donation information. Daniel saved and enhanced lives through donation. Rodie wants to save more people, too - in Daniel's honor. Thanks, Rodie for helping us MAKE LIFE HAPPEN! #DonateLife #DonateLifeLA #Podcast #TheGiftedLife

Join us on DLL's Facebook page live this morning, beginning at 11:00. Ricardo "Buck" Brown's Donate Life Rose Parade Float Floragraph will be unveiled to his mother. She will be finishing her son's floragraph before it is placed on the float! @donatelifefloat #donatelife

Today is #GivingTuesday! We are asking you to give something unique today—your name. Your name can save and heal many lives. Visit YourNameSaves.org to learn more. #yournamesaves #DonateLife